Changing Careers: How to Enter the IT Industry

Information Technology, or IT, is an exciting and challenging industry that is always evolving and progressing. If you are bored out of your mind working at a dead-end job that does not encourage you to constantly learn and grow, then perhaps it is time to switch careers and venture into the world of IT. However, how exactly do you do it? Find out below.

Get a Certification

If you do not have a background in IT, the fastest to enter the industry is to get a certification. There are several options available for beginners, one of which is CompTIA.

Getting a certification is the best option for those who do not want to enroll in a four-year degree in tech. However, like in a regular school, they have to go through a test like Network+ N10-007 to receive their certification.

Fortunately, in the IT industry, a company does not look at an applicant’s educational background that much during the hiring process. As long as they can do the work, they are as valued to the company as a person who graduated from a four-year course.

A certification, however, will assure your future employer that you have the skills even if you lack the experience. Depending on the kind of certificate you get, you may even be preferred by some company compared to other applicants.

Choose which certifications are the right fit for you. Look at specializations and what possible career pathways it may open for you.

Teach Yourself

Ideally, if you are interested in IT, before your career switch, you have already started teaching yourself relevant skills. There are many resources available online to arm yourself before you enter this challenging field. You can start by watching free videos from industry experts on YouTube or purchase a short course by individuals who have extensive experience from sites like Udemy and Lynda.

From how to post on WordPress to understanding Salesforce, you can usually find what you need on the internet. You can add these skills to your resume so you can set yourself apart from other applicants and easily find employment despite your lack of relevant work experience.

Start at the Bottom

In any industry, if you are looking to switch careers, your likely to see yourself working at lower-level positions. No matter how old you are, you are starting over in IT. Be prepared to work hard to advance into the corporate ladder. Eventually, if your output is of high quality, you will gain experience and the trust of your colleagues and you will be assigned more challenging tasks.

Will Your Previous Job Give You An Advantage?

Your previous career will not be completely irrelevant in the world of IT. Do not throw away your years of working experience from your old job because it may give you an advantage. When looking for work in IT, consider how your previous career can help you. For example, if you are a former salesman, go for job openings in e-commerce companies.

It is not too late to switch careers, especially if you want to go into tech. This industry, in particular, does not care about educational background or work experience. Even the biggest companies in the world do not look at an employee’s professional past, as long as they can deliver what is asked of them, then they are the perfect fit for the job.